Advance your expertise in Accounting
Get a deeper understanding of how businesses and organisations manage their finances and make decisions. Learn to critically analyse current research in accounting, taxation, and commercial law. Carry out your own research, and present well-supported conclusions.
Advanced skills in accounting analysis are highly valued in the business, academic, and public sectors. In our postgraduate Accounting programmes, you’ll learn to apply your knowledge to solve complex accounting, taxation, and commercial law problems and communicate your advice clearly.
You’ll study with the School of Accounting and Commercial Law—one of Australasia’s leading centres for teaching and research in this subject.
Choose your study path
We offer a wide range of Postgraduate Accounting qualifications to support your study goals—whether you want to shift into Accounting, deepen your expertise, or pursue advanced research.
Change focus to study Accounting
A Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Commerce can be a good way to focus on Finance topics related to work. Or get prepared for further study.
You may also gain a Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Commerce if you don’t finish a Master’s degree, depending on your points and courses.
Study advanced Accounting
If you already have a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, the following qualifications extend your expertise through advanced postgraduate coursework:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Commerce
- Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce
- Bachelor of Commerce with Honours
Change or advance your career
If you don’t have an accounting background but want a career move into the field, consider the Master of Professional Accounting. This globally recognised qualification offers a pathway to becoming a chartered accountant.
Explore Accounting research
Learn advanced Finance knowledge or gain research skills with a Master of Commerce. Or, dive deep into advanced research and make an original contribution to Finance with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Accounting at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
International recognition
Wellington School of Business and Government is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide that hold the ‘Triple Crown’ of international business education accreditations. By studying here, you can be confident your qualification will be recognised globally for its quality.
Future careers
Accounting graduates are employed across all industries—including financial services, banking, government, insurance, and global consulting. They can enter traditional accounting roles or branch out into broader business and finance careers.
Specialist pathways
- generalist accountant or auditor
- financial or business auditor
- tax consultant
- management, public sector, or forensic accountant.
More career information
Find out more about careers in finance.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Business and Government
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Applicants must be enrolled, or intending to enrol full time, in a Master’s or PhD degree in areas related to identity management and are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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This scholarship is open to Pasifika students intending to enrol in a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Master’s degree in Business at the Wellington School of Business and Government. Applicants are expected to have met the admissions requirements for the qualification of interest. Applicants will be assessed on merit however preference may be given to applicants experiencing financial hardship.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Business and Government
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This scholarship is open to Pasifika students intending to enrol in a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Master’s degree in Business at the Wellington School of Business and Government. Applicants are expected to have met the admissions requirements for the qualification of interest. Applicants will be assessed on merit however preference may be given to applicants experiencing financial hardship.
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This scholarship is to help students conduct research in the field of librarianship.
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This scholarship is to support doctoral students who are researching in the School of Accounting and Commercial Law.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Research areas
Our Accounting and Commercial Law academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.